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Juan Pablo Carrillo, as part of one of the most successful swimming and diving programs on the Division II level, received All-American and All-Conference accolades for the 2008-09 year. As the new Tritons' season kicks into high gear on Oct. 24 with a home meet against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, Carrillo and the rest of the men's squad aim to improve on the seventh-place finish attained at the NCAA National Championships this past March when the same races roll around next spring. With the temporary closure of Canyonview Pool providing a bit of added adversity, Carrillo spent a few minutes in between off-campus practices and his studio art classes to answer our pressing questions.

Q: After transferring from Southwestern College, you put together an impressive junior year for UCSD in the pool. How exciting was it to win the Pacific Coast Swimming Conference Championships and then perform so well at the NCAA Championships?CARRILLO: It was very exciting to be able to be a part of a winning team and perform as well as I did at the NCAA Championships. I owe it all to the great swim program at UCSD and my teammates who are constantly pushing each other to perform at their optimal level.

Q: What personal goals have you set out for 2009-10? What about team goals?CARRILLO: The most important goal for this season is to be healthy in order to be able to compete at this year's NCAA Championship. Another personal goal that I have set for myself would be to bring home two national titles in the 100 breaststroke and the 200 breaststroke. My team goal for this year is to become National Champions in both the women's and men's teams.

Q: Having competed under head coach Scott McGihon for a year, how would you describe him as a leader?CARRILLO: Given the opportunity to swim under Scott McGihon has been a great experience for me. He not only challenges his swimmers to excel in the water but also outside the pool, in academics. He has the ability to lift the entire swim team to new levels, and motivate his athletes toward accomplishing the highest level of performance from each individual.

Q: What is your most memorable moment from the 2008-09 season?CARRILLO: My most memorable moment of the 2008-2009 season would have to be competing at the NCAA Championships. Throughout the season my main goal was to qualify for the championships. I was lucky enough to go to the finals in four different events - 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 100 breaststroke and the 200 breaststroke.

Q: What do you prefer, swimming in an individual event or competing as part of a relay?CARRILLO: I personally prefer swimming individual events because it is a personal reflection of my athleticism, whether the result is positive or negative.

Q: In one word, how would you describe the mindset of a swimmer?CARRILLO: Intensity.

Q: How did the time you spent at Southwestern College help prepare for life as a Triton?CARRILLO: Swimming for Southwestern College prepared me to become a team player. It also enabled me to stay in shape for the rigorous high intense training required by UCSD.

Q: When a movie is eventually made about your life, what will be the theme song?CARRILLO: "Freak me" by Silk.

Q: Given that your father competed in track and field at UC Santa Barbara, what was the sports atmosphere like in your family growing up?CARRILLO: Growing up in an athletic family we were all required to participate in a variety of sports. It was our decision which sports we elected to participate in. Coming from a family of track and field athletes I saw myself more adaptable with better results in the water rather than the track.

Q: As a Studio Art major, what is your favorite medium to work with?CARRILLO: I try not to limit myself to one medium, but I do prefer metal work sculpture.

Q: What artist do you most admire?CARRILLO: I am being constantly exposed to new and different artist swhich spark creative interests with new ideas. It seems like I admire a different artist ever day!

Q: Considering that cooking Mexican cuisine is one of your hobbies, what is your favorite dish? CARRILLO: Pozole, a Mexican beef soup.

Q: Being a San Diego native, what's the best part about being so close to home?CARRILLO: Being able to visit my family frequently. The family atmosphere helps me maintain my focus on my studies and sport. My family's moral support is something that I value tremendously.